A HORRIFIC story of animal cruelty and fraudulent trade in puppies at two properties in Thurrock has been revealed after an investigation by the RSPCA'S special operations team.

Their action saved some puppies, but a number were found dead in freezers at the homes.

The investigation was launched by the RSPCA after they were contacted by members of the public who had bought puppies from addresses in Billericay and Thurrock.

The charity's Special Operations Unit (SOU) – a specialist taskforce that investigates serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty, such as the high value trade in puppies – started looking into a premises at Crays Hill in Billericay in 2019.

At a recent trial at Basildon Crown Court Hazel Stevens – prosecuting on behalf of the RSPCA – said: "Members of the public had made complaints to the local authority and the RSPCA about puppies being purchased from said premises – which soon became ill after sale.

"Twelve witness statements were taken in relation to puppies with health problems which were sold from the Billericay address between June and September 2019, and one in March 2019."

The court was told that Basildon Council had licensed Stacey Hayward to sell puppies but the licence was revoked in July 2018 due to complaints about sick puppies. Her breeding licence ran out in December 2018.

One of the recovered puppies.

Hayward and her partner, Steven Foster, moved to a new home in  Colliford Road, West Thurrock and, in October 2019, complaints began coming into the RSPCA about their activities.

They were also guided to an address in Weymouth Drive, Chafford Hundred, occupied by Kelly and Ricky Bennett. An RSPCA officer visited in August 2019 and gave advice about licensing but no licence was ever issued, the court was told.

The illegal selling and breeding of puppies continued throughout a number of Covid lockdowns and was eventually shut down in May 2021.

It is estimated the gang made a combined £850,000 through their operation.

Kelly and Ricky Bennett and Steven Foster and Stacey Hayward all entered guilty pleas to fraud and acquiring criminal property charges. Kelly Bennett also indicated guilty pleas to two offences under the Animal Welfare Act while Ricky Bennett indicated a guilty plea to one animal welfare offence.

They are to be sentenced later this year.